Name: _________________________

Period: __________

Date: ___/___/___

Outlining Your Compare-and-Contrast Essay

Thesis/Argument Statement (Should be the last sentence of your introduction paragraph.):
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________.
What are the different parts of the argument that your essay must prove?

CONTRAST: How does Text 1 deal with

the topic/theme? Explain with 2-3 fully
explained pieces of evidence.

CONTRAST: How does Text 2 deal with

the topic/theme? Explain with 2-3 fully
explained pieces of evidence.

COMPARE: What do both texts have in

common regarding their approach to the
topic/theme? Explain with 2-3 fully
explained pieces of evidence.

1.

1.

1.

2.

2.

2.

3.

3.

3.

Romano 2

Conclusion Paragraph (Restate thesis statement in different words. Simply recap your introduction!):
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Romano 3

Great Expectations Compare and Contrast Writing Prompt

With the conclusion of the unit, we have explored many similarities and differences between both the
Graphic Novel and the Traditional Novel of Charles Dickens Great Expectations. For this essay, you are to write a compare
and contrast analysis in no less than five paragraphs. You have the option to write the essay however you please, but you
MUST include at least one paragraph comparing the novels, and one paragraph examining the differences. Include specific
examples (including quotes properly cited) to support your points. Please type your essay, double spaced, 12 point font,
Times New Roman. You may use the space below to jot down ideas and brainstorm further, but I will not be grading
anything on this page!

LevSco
el re

Romano 4

Content

Conventions

Topic lends itself to a comparison and

contrast.

No spelling, grammatical, or
punctuation errors.

Information is clearly focused in an

organized and thoughtful manner

Reflects application of critical thinking.

High-level use of vocabulary and

word choice.

Information is constructed in a logical

pattern to support the thesis.

Has clear goal that is related to the

topic.

The end brings an effective closure to

the essay.

Quotes pulled from both novels.

Transition words used in the beginning of

every new paragraph or idea.

Clear focus is maintained throughout

the essay.

Organization

Paragraphs are well thought out and

support the thesis.

Few (1 to 3) spelling, grammatical, or

punctuation errors.

Information supports the solution to the

challenge or question

Has application of critical thinking that

is apparent.

Good use of vocabulary and word

choice.

Uses transitions when appropriate.

Minimal (3 to 5) spelling,
grammatical, or punctuation
errors.

Essay has a focus but might stray from it

at times.

Has clear thesis that is related to the

topic.
Has evidence to back up points.
Supports the thesis.
Has application of critical thinking that
is apparent.

Has no clear thesis.

Has some factual errors or
inconsistencies,

Uses few transition words.

Low-level use of vocabulary and word
Information appears to have a pattern,
choice.
but the pattern is not consistently
carried out in the essay.
Information loosely supports the thesis.

Provides inconsistent information for

thesis.

More than 5 spelling, grammatical, or

punctuation errors.

Has no apparent application of critical

thinking.

Poor use of vocabulary and word

choice.

Has no clear thesis.

Content is unfocused and haphazard.

Information does not support the thesis
to the comparisons or contrasts.
Information has no apparent pattern.
No transition words used.

Only focus on one point (compare OR

contrast).

Comm
ents

Has significant factual errors,

misconceptions, or
misinterpretations.

FINAL GRADE:
4

Romano 5

Great Expectations Essay Rubric